First DE razor choices

Hiya,

There's a large variety of DE razors to choose from when first starting this 'hobby'. Some razors are mild and some are aggressive, and most are somewhere in the middle. I won't get into what the differences are, since it would be difficult to understand unless you've used some. That's a whole other extremely deep badger burrow for another time maybe.

I'm of the opinion that most razors are fine for starting off. Try a mild or medium aggressive one, and stay away from the very aggressive type. Those will bite you much easier if your technique isn't good. You can believe me when I say that a very aggressive razor will not be a fun way to start out. You'll hear some members tell you to start with something aggressive that works well for them, but it's only gonna make learning this skill a bit more painful. Plus, it may well turn out that you end up preferring a mild razor after you've tried a number of em.

There's no way of telling what matches your face until you learn technique. You're gonna be fumbling around for a while in the beginning......trying to figure things out. Don't expect much for the first week or two, so be patient. Most razors will be ok to shave with, with the thought of using the same one for at least a month. By then everything will have come together somewhat, and you can start making comparisons with other razors. That's the name of the game after learning technique. It's trial and error when finding the right razor, and it can take a while.

The idea is to find a tool that gives you a close AND comfortable shave. No sense getting a very close shave if your face experiences discomfort along the way. It's very possible to have both those factors, and that should be the goal.

Gruesome eh? Yeah, this DE thing can be a looong journey if you decide on trying for the perfect shave. Gotta have some motivation, that's for sure. It's pretty damn fun though when everything comes together.

Heh, I wouldn't be surprised if other members have thoughts different than mine about what razor to start with. Matter of fact, I'd be surprised and shocked if everyone agreed with me. It's part of the diabolical nature of this goofy 'hobby'.......you gotta try it yourself to see what's up.

Martin

Hiya,

Just for the heck of it, I'll include a small but far from complete list of suggestions for a first DE, and I'll mention a couple to stay away from.

One good one is the Gillette Tech (almost any variation will be a bit on the milder yet effective side).

Another nice razor would be any Gillette adjustable set on #3. Most Gillette super speed models would be worth a look as well.

Many veteran members will use any of the above models mentioned as their razors of choice.

I can't speak for Merkurs, since I've never tried one, but the 34c(HD) is very popular. The Edwin Jagger or Muhle razors (both of those versions have the same newer heads) are also well received. You might want to stay away from the older versions from a few years ago.

Do yourself a favor and don't start with any open comb types, since many can be on the aggressive side. I'd also not recommend starting with a slant type razor.

That'll do it I guess, although I'm sure I've left out some....

Martin

Thanks, Martin

I have a fair bit of experience having used many different razors over the years, and I'll mention a little bit about what an 'aggressive' razor means to me. At this point in time I can shave with just about any type razor and will be left with a close and bloodless shave. By now I can adjust my technique to a razor's nature and those adjustments will do the trick nicely. It's just something that comes with experience and not because I'm gifted.........heheh.

There are some razors that are just too uncomfortable to use. Matter of fact, I even own a bunch of em.......sheeesh. These razors are too aggressive, even with a mild blade in em(another bottomless hole I won't talk about here). The main point is that the razor's design is something I can't overcome with technique. No post shave weepers or red face, but no fun on my face during the shave.

They feel uncomfortable and harsh, for whatever the reason(and there's a bunch of those). As a result I have some beautiful razors I never use. The discomfort just isn't worth the closer than usual shave many are capable of. A good example would be the old silver American made Bulldog types. Those are bad doggies.......

Unfortunately a new DE user won't know if a razor's too aggressive, and if starting off with one may be pretty discouraged. That's what happened to me with injectors years ago, and I almost quit on that type. Luckily I tried another model and it was night and day.

I'm just saying it's best to not assume that an aggressive razor will be more effective in your personal whisker whacking journey. Heh, no need to try anything drastic at this early date.

Martin

Some so called aggressive razors dont shave as well as a mild razor, a tech is a easily available mild razor, shaves like a dream, as good as a red tip, futur is a aggressive razor, takes time to learn, then gives good shaves, i have been using de's for around 5 years, and have far to many to count, but its not how aggressive it is, its how you use them.

I have a Gillette Super Slim Adjustable that I currently set on 4 and like it a lot. Normally I shave with a straight, but like the DE for mornings when I am pressed for time. This razor delivers. I also like the Merkur Progress, but the longer handle of the Gillette makes me reach for it first.

Not sure where you would place mine.. I have a Schick Krona ( no stamp on the face) and love the way that shaves. I had a fat handled tech and it was a rough cut and almost as irritating as multiblade.

I think that the EJ89 makes a fine first razor. It's not too aggressive but not mild either. Combined with a good blade it will give you a first rate shave.

SE handles are great in comparison to a str8 razor if you dont have one..an SE handle...the blades r mainly stainless steel and r pretty cheap..lemme know if you want more info!..
Gillette tech ball is a nice starter..very mild..try a sample pack of blades if you don't have one from Men's Shaving, Grooming, Skin and Hair Care - West Coast Shaving


pcdad

I like Gillette adjustables for a good starter DE. They have a nice weight and even though they are adjustable, they seem to be less aggressive then other adjustables.

I've been shaving with a DE for almost 20 years and the razor is a gillette adjustable that my father gave me. I have no idea how old it is but but am guessing it's a 60's model. I've never tried another kind of DE so I can't compare, but I do remember trying to learn shaving with it. My advice would be to start with an adjustable so that you can start with it set low and as you get used to the feel then you can turn it up a notch and compare the two. My father's advice was just that and if you feel like it's not cutting right you can either increase the angle your shaving or turn it up, with the latter probably the best choice to avoid nicks. Until I found this site I didn't know there was non adjustable DE razors I have no intention to try one cause the DE ajustable one I have does the job just fine. Usually I start out on #3 with the next shave is usualy #4 or #5. I generally don't like going too much higher than that on the razor cause it irritates my face more and I usualy nick myself especially if I'm in a hurry. The only time I had a major cut was when my 4 yr old at the time turned it upto #9 with a new blade in it, I went about an into the first pass and got a nice cut the whole length of the blade on my neck. Lesson learned I always look to see what it's set at before I start. I would say make sure the blade is sharp, take your time and you'll figure it out without much trouble.

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Originally Posted by thumper15

. My advice would be to start with an adjustable so that you can start with it set low and as you get used to the feel then you can turn it up a notch and compare the two. My father's advice was just that and if you feel like it's not cutting right you can either increase the angle your shaving or turn it up, with the latter probably the best choice to avoid nicks. Until I found this site I didn't know there was non adjustable DE razors I have no intention to try one cause the DE ajustable one I have does the job just fine. .

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Hiya,

Your reasoning for using an adjustable is something I agree with. Yeah, a new DE user can start out on 2-3 for a few weeks and then bump it up a bit after the technique's been improved. Makes for a less uncomfortable transition than if using an aggressive type or high adjustable setting.

You know, based on the settings you use, I'd bet I can suggest a fixed head razor you'd enjoy. That would be a late 40s-early 50s Aristocrat. To me it feels like a 5-6 on the Gillette scale, which is about what my comfort limit would be. I normally set my adjustables to #4, so it's not much of a stretch.

These are gold razors with some nice features. Balance is better than average, the knurling on the handle has some bite to it, and the Aristocrat feels very good in the hand. These types are also among the nicest looking razors, at least to my eye.

You might like to give that one a try sometime. One in fair condition wouldn't be more than about $30 or so, and you can sell the thing easily if it doesn't fit you right. They can get a little pricy for the ones in excellent condition with a nice case, but both priced ones will shave the same.

Thanks for your post,

Martin

Hey Martin,

I have looked at fixed DE on a few sites just to see what is out there. Don't know if I'd use one, I've used this gillette adjustable for so long it's one of those deals I don't have to think about it just do it shaves. I'l look into the aristocrat to see what your talking about.

For a new guy I would suggest a super speed for the first few shaves. After he is comfortable with shaving he could then go the whole gambit with the other DE's. I have given away super speeds and the new shavers were pleased with them. With a decent blade he shouldn't get into too much trouble and have a good experience.

bj

I really think the new crop of EJs with the new head are really hard to beat. They aren't all that aggressive and give a top notch shave.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I really think the new crop of EJs with the new head are really hard to beat. They aren't all that aggressive and give a top notch shave.

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That new head has gotten almost universal great reviews, and that would be a good one to try if buying new. From what I've read, the EJ/Muehle razor is a much better value than the Merkur brand. I couldn't say for sure, having only seen or held one or two Merkur models.

I did try the EJ 89L a while ago, and found it wasn't a good fit for me. Heh, I was all set to love the thing, but no luck. A nice forum member loaned me his, so I didn't have to end up selling that one. Actually, I did sell the thing, but told him it musta got lost in the mail when he never received it back. Speaking of that, does anyone have a nice President I could try out for a few days? I would also like to try a Toggle.

Martin